The State of Texas Newborn Screening Program checks all newborn babies for certain metabolic disorders. These screening tests are very important for your baby’s health. Your newborn will be tested first in the hospital, at approx. 24 hours of age and again in our office after the baby is at least 7 days old. In the hospital, your newborn will also have its hearing tested as well as being screened for critical congenital heart defects. The State of Texas screens for approximately 53 disorders by blood testing.
Because this testing is required for all newborns born in Texas, most insurance plans provide coverage. Our office no longer routinely offers the Baylor screen because the Texas screen now (June 2015) offers all of the tests our physicians feel are necessary.
